Grid Integration - Zaragoza

Contact - Specialisation Grid Integration

Contact Detail

Dr Miguel García-Gracia
Ms Laura Giménez
email: regrid@unizar.es

Address of the University:
Fundación CIRCE Edificio CIRCE -
Campus Río Ebro
C/ Mariano Esquillor Gómez,
15 50018 Zaragoza
Tel +34 976761863
Fax+34 976732078
www.unizar.es/

Grid Integration - Zaragoza

Specialisation in Grid Integration at University of Zaragoza / Spain

General Information on Host University and Departments

The University of Zaragoza is the main centre in terms of technological innovation in the Ebro Valley and has great prestige among the group of both Spanish and European universities.

The School of Engineering and Architecture (EINA), located in the Campus Río Ebro in Zaragoza, was born as the result of the merge of two well-known and reputed schools of engineering, the “Centro Politécnico Superior” and the “Escuela Universitaria de Ingeniería Técnica Industrial”.

EINA enjoys high prestige for its training of engineering professionals, besides, their degrees are widely recognized and highly valued in the national and international labor market, and the level of graduate employment is impressive.

About 6,000 students are currently studying at the School of Engineering and Architecture in Bachelor and Master Degrees. There are about 300 postgraduate and doctoral students. We have about 650 lecturers and 250 administration and service professionals. The campus contains other teaching centres as well, such as research institutes and technology and business incubation centres. This environment provides an attractive focal point for development and training, an excellent study environment and excellent relationships with colleagues and people related with the business and research reality.

University of Zaragoza has been a member of EUREC since 2003. Renewable Energy Education and Research is managed through the Centro de Investigación de Recursos y Consumos Energéticos (CIRCE).

CIRCE was established in 1993 by the University of Zaragoza, the ENDESA Group and the Diputación General de Aragón. Its objectives are the investigation, technological development and demonstration, diffusion of results and promotion of innovative solutions in the fields of energy and sustainable resources management. Besides, CIRCE also provides high-level postgraduate training  enjoying nowadays of international reputation in these kind of activities.

The areas of CIRCE involved in the specialization are focused on the following research activities:

  • Smart grids and storage technologies
  • Power electric systems
  • Renewable energy grid integration
  • Distributed generation
  • Wind energy, converters and controls for grid integration
  • FACTS application on distributed systems
  • Ecoefficiency and Electric Markets
  • Sustainable mobility

The Electrical Power Systems area of CIRCE (GISEP) is responsible for managing the RE Grid Integration specialization. This area is specialized in two main R&D lines that set it up:

  1. Protections and Grid Automation
  2. Grid Studies and Renewable Energy Systems

The main capabilities are:

  • Protections: Wide experience in power system protections, highlighting the following tasks:
    • Protection relay setting
    • Relay coordination studies
    • Protection relay testing. Testing protocols automation
    • Protection relay validation in laboratory
    • Protection algorithms development
  • Incidents analysis: Causes analysis and proposal of measures to improve the grid behaviour against the studied situations. Reproduction of incidents in laboratory and verification of the relays performance.
  • Processes automation and software tools development. Programming of macros for processes automation, software tools for automatic data exchange, automatic line parameter calculation, etc.
  • Models development. Network elements and protection devices modelling and implementation in simulation tools. Line parameter calculation.
  • Insulation coordination and grounding studies. Insulation coordination studies, according to IEC 60071, are carried out for measuring machine’s isolation. Grounding studies are made based on IEEE standard 80.
  • Insulation studies for electric machines. Transformers and rotatory machines supported by finite elements analysis.
  • Electric lines repowering. Using latest conductor technologies (ACCR, ACCC, AAAC, GAP and ACSS) as well as HVDC lines.
  • HVDC. Protection technologies for HVDC networks, Coupling between AC and DC systems, design, testing and validation of control schemes for AC/DC converters, KPIs definition and evaluation, etc.
  • Analysis of wind power impact in the grid. Static and dynamic studies for high wind power penetration areas with the aim of analysing the system stability against variations of different parameters of the grid and the wind farms.
  • Wind turbines and FACTS modelling and simulation studies. System Operators in those countries with high penetration of wind power ask the manufacturers for the dynamic models of their wind turbines in order to be able to analyse their dynamic behaviour in the network. GISEP develops this kind of models for different manufacturers.
  • Electric devices and control design.
  • Testing of wind turbines, PV plants, etc. according to International Grid Codes. Testing and measurement of the response of generators against voltage dips according to the procedure of verification, validation and certification of the Operation Procedure 12.3. about wind power and PV facilities against voltage dips, or other quality parameters according to FGW or IEC.
  • Validation of wind turbines and FACTS devices computer models, based on measurements obtained in field tests performed according to the procedure of verification, validation and certification of the Operation Procedure 12.3. about wind power facilities against voltage dips or FGW.
  • Design of electric machines by means of finite elements method. Design of generators and power transformers using finite elements method.
  • Finite Element Design: Verification of developed software of PM machine design, study of different topologies of stator and rotor for PM machines, Performance analysis of PM machines, focus on further optimization, etc…
  • Software Design: Develop software for preliminary design of electrical permanent magnet machines.
  • Optimization: Design of optimization modules for algorithm inputs
  • Control of Electrical Machines: Characterization and Identification.

Facilities and laboratories

The GISEP manages the following labs which are also involved in the master specialization:

  1. Electric protection testing
    Developments made in power systems and the permanent search for improvement in quality of supply, bring about the need to adapt and improve the protection of generation, distribution, sub-transmission and transmission systems.
    Power system protections are basic to act against disturbances by isolating only the affected area of the network, while the rest of the system remains connected, guaranteeing that the supply affectation is minimized. In order to achieve this end, appropriate protection devices behaviour, as well as settings and coordination studies, are needed.
    Electric Power Systems area of CIRCE represents a reference for several electric companies to perform studies related to protection system. Thus, protection relay settings, relay coordination studies, electric incidents and contingences analysis are performed.
    The area manages a protection and control systems laboratory, equipped with different commercial protection devices (REL511, REL551, RET670 from ABB, DMS, T60 from GE, SEL-421 from Schweitzer, among others), current and voltage injection devices (Omicron CMC 256) and a Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) with current and voltage amplifiers (Doble F6300 and F6350). This laboratory performs validation test for protection and control devices and algorithms. Furthermore, the laboratory is used in the developing and validation processes for the different prototypes developed by the area.
  2. Voltage Dip Tests Mobile Laboratory (MEGHA)
    MEGHA is a mobile laboratory for testing the response of wind farms and photovoltaic installations to voltage dips. It has been created by FORES and CIRCE staff, and performs tests of voltage sags in installations up to 5MW of power and voltage levels up to 20kV.
    CIRCE and FORES own the design of the MEGHA laboratory; a design that consists on an inductive divider made up of transformers, resistors, inductors and MV SF6 automated control cells, which are externally controlled trough Ethernet connection.
    This mobile testing laboratory is connected in series between the grid and the equipment tested without interfering in the production carried out by the machine at any time beyond the moment of testing.
    The Voltage Dip Tests Mobile Laboratory (MEGHA) is ENAC accredited (Spanish National Accreditation Body) nº 581/LE1265, for the realization of tests on renewable energy and distribution networks.
  3. Quest lab
    QuEST Lab, Quality Test for Energy Systems, is a mobile laboratory for MV networks mounted on a trailer-type platform that allows its movement to wind turbines or photovoltaic installations for testing voltage dips, overvoltage and phase shifts. In the same way as MEGHA, QuEST Lab has been designed by CIRCE and FORES. Its composition allows testing devices up to 10MW (depending on network conditions) in electrical networks up to 20kV, generating different types of disturbance in electrical generation systems with the aim of verifying grid quality, electrical supply guarantee and system stability, which enables a more widespread use of renewable energy.
    The equipment is designed to cover, with its range of tests, most of the international standards and, is accredited for the certification of the Spanish and German operating procedures PO 12.3, PO 12.2, and FGW, respectively. Its innovative configuration allows it to test overvoltage up to 130% of rated voltage, and voltage dips from zero up to rated voltage and phase shifts up to even 35 º.
  4. Computer room
    Part of the course will be supported by practical training that will be given in the computer laboratories, combining the above explained theory with computer simulations and programming.
    The practical training taking place in the computer room can be divided into three main groups:
    • RE installations and AC/DC Drives Control (20h)
    • Applications and power system simulation (16h)
    • Electric Systems Modelling (21h)
  5. Micro grid lab
    Micro grids are becoming increasingly important today. Load balancing and distributed generation are becoming important factors in the electrical networks and micro grids are capable in assisting with these factors.
    In this laboratory the student is responsible to program the control for a small Micro grid using demand response and controlling the energy storage system. This laboratory will help the student understand the concept of micro grids and the potential benefits of Micro grids in standalone and grid connected scenarios. The student understands the various components and control strategies used in the micro grid.
    The Micro grid consists of 4 loads, a ‘wind turbine’ - using a motor and generator, and a simulated battery, which uses a rectifier and a DC load. The control is implemented using a PLC and other monitoring devices as required.

Teaching - Specialisation Grid Integration

Programme Description

Please find here a comprehensive programme description of the specialisation in Grid Integration and Distributed Generation

Module Handbook

Download Module Handbook Grid Integration

Syllabus

Module CP Content

Introduction to Electric Power Systems (EPS) and Power Electronics

3,0 Introduction to Electric Power System Operation
  • Electric grid introduction
  • Supply guarantee and power quality
  • Stability
  • Electric circuit analysis
  • Effects of renewable energy into the grid
  • Boundaries of the actual grid configuration
  • Consumption models and patterns. Demand Side Management
Introduction to Power Electronics
  • Basic concepts on power electronics: power semiconductors, switching, converters and application examples
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) 6,1 Basic aspects of Distributed Generation
  • Challenges and technology trends for the grid integration of renewable power generation
  • Challenges concerning power system operation due to high RE integration/international studies
  • Marine and offshore technologies & markets
  • Wind power prediction techniques
Introduction to integrated renewable energy sizing
  • Introduction to integrated renewable energy sizing and optimization
  • Photovoltaic systems and solar resources
  • Backup systems
  • PV- battery offgrid systems sizing
  • Hybrid systems simulation and optimization
Hydrogen Technologies and Power Storage Systems
  • State of the art on Hydrogen Technologies
  • State of the art on Power storage systems
  • Batteries, Ultra capacitors based energy storage systems and Flywheel
Renewable Energy Integration 5.5 AC/DC Drives Control
  • Introduction to basic analysis and operation techniques on power electronic systems.
  • Basic commutation cell
  • Functional analysis of power converters main topologies
  • Power conversion schemes between electric machines and the grid
  • Power systems control using power converters
  • High power electronic converters. Tendencies, topologies and basic functional principles
  • Multilevel converter with 3 stages
  • Electronic conversion systems application to renewable energy generation systems
Technological aspects of power electronic systems connection to the grid
  • PLL
  • Sampling effect, commutation frequency, etc… Modulation types
  • Dimensioning LC filters
  • Harmonic cancellation by modulation
Active Network Devices, Control and FACTS Technology
  • Theory and operation principle of FACTS
  • Implementation and FACTS technologies (Series / Shunt compensation)
  • Talk from “Wind to Power System” (Carlos III University)
DER Impact on EPS 6,0 Electric Systems Modelling
  • Modelling and simulation of electric systems introduction. Simulation grid studies and used tools. Per Unit system.
  • Electric system modelling for permanent regime studies
  • Steady state simulation studies. Load flow
  • Sequence grids, three phase short-circuit
  • Transient regime electric systems modelling and simulation
Power Supply Quality
  • Background and problems of the lack of electric supply quality
  • Frequency variations
  • Slow voltage variations
  • Flicker voltage fluctuations
  • Voltage gaps and brief voltage cuts
  • Voltage boosts
  • Harmonic distortion
  • Voltage unbalances
Optimization and Grid Planning
  • Introduction to classical optimization: Linear programming, nonlinear programming and powerflow approach
  • Modern Methods of optimization: Ant colony optimization, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization
Smart Grid Solutions 6,1 Intelligent Network Programming
  • Smart Grids form the point of view of network operator (Demand management, electric vehicle, storage
  • Operation and network planning with quality criteria in distribution systems
Protections
  • Introduction to protections in electric power system
  • Overcurrent, Distance and Differential protection
  • Protection coordination
  • Impact of distributed generation in power system protection
SMART GRIDS
  • Communications in Smart Grids
  • IEC 61850
  • Supply guarantee automatisms
  • Control devices. IEDs
  • Measurement and control communications (PLC, wireless…)
Electric Vehicles
  • EV interests. Random generation forecast corrections
  • EV needs according to users and grid exigencies
  • Dimension and security according to EV needs
  • Batteries and chargers
  • Standard UNE 61851. EV conductive system
Micro-Grids
  • Resources evaluation and needs
  • Dimensioning integration systems
  • Optimizing integration systems
  • Integration systems control
  • Cases of study: multi-generation buildings
Energetic Markets 4,0 Electric Market
  • The electric sector: structures and models
  • Cost Benefit analysis of investments in RES
  • Electricity markets
  • Grid Tariff for distributed generation
  • New activities regulation proposals

Methodology

Teaching will be based on lectures, laboratories, conferences, tutorials and visits given through all the subjects. Sessions will be scheduled Monday to Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Each session will have an approximate duration of 4 hours. The students will be provided with all necessary teaching materials. Part of the course will be supported by practical training that will be given in the computer laboratories, combining the above explained theory with computer simulations and programming.

Practical training:
AC/DC Drives Control (4h)

  • Electronic conversion systems application to renewable
  • energy generation systems
  • Basic schemes and functional advantages
  • Wind Power and Photovoltaic Power applications

Applications and power system simulation using PSCAD/EMTDC (3h)

  • Modelling of thyristor-based static Var compensator
  • Modelling of GTO-Based
  • Modelling of VSC
  • Based HVDC Link
  • Modelling and performance of SSCC in wind energy application

Electric Systems Modelling (21h)

  • Electric systems modelling for steady state regime studies
  • Steady state simulation studies. Load flux
  • Steady state simulation studies. Short-circuit
  • Electric systems modelling for simulation in dynamic regime
  • Transient regime simulation studies

Micro Grids (6h)

  • Communication
  • Load control
  • Generation control

Students will have access to the computer laboratories at any the time the laboratory room is free of any course. So they will be able to develop their tasks with special ICT facilities that will be installed there. Other laboratories that students will visit and use, under supervision, can be seen in the Dossier Renewable Energy Grid Integration and Distributed Generation - A specialization of the European Master in Renewable Energy:

ICT facilities
Internet and software tools:
At the computer laboratories, students will have access to internet and software tools as:

  • PS-CAD
  • DigSILENT
  • CAPE
  • PSS/E
  • Transview
  • Matlab
  • Office

Moodle application:
Every student will be enrolled in the unizar-moodle application, where they will find updated information about the course, additional materials, recommended bibliography and upcoming events. Furthermore they will be able to participate in forums with other students and lecturers

 

Regulations - Specialisation Grid Integration

Examination Regulations

Please find the Examination Regulations here

Student Support - Specialisation Grid Integration

Accomodation

HALLS OF RESIDENCE
From 275€/month to 535€/month
FLATS AND ROOMS
Youth Housing Service held by the City Council, from 150€/month to 500€/month
www.zaragoza.es/ciudad/sectores/jovenes/

email: alojami@unizar.es
Tel: +34 976 76 23 18 Fax: +34 976 76 10 03

More information about accomodation: www.zaragoza.es/ciudad/sectores/jovenes/cipaj/

International Students

International Students website: wzar.unizar.es/servicios/inter/faq_es.htm
We hope these pages make it easy to find your way out among us. Practical issues such as health care, accommodation, courses on Spanish as a foreign language, … are described for you to have, before arrival, a first contact with your daily life as an International student

CPS International relations office

Postal address: Edif.Torres Quevedo C/ Maria de Luna 3, 50018 Zaragoza- Spain
Phone & Fax: +34-976-762233
email:cpsri@unizar.es
Visiting hours: from Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00
Torres Quevedo Building – Ground floor - Office 1

 

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